As I send this column off to the printer in late April, the Florida Legislature has only a handful of days left to tie up a multitude of loose ends. Most important—given that it is their sole constitutionally required duty—House and Senate members must agree on a budget to send to Gov. Rick Scott. When they began negotiations the week of April 25 to bridge their dollar gaps (the Senate had passed a $70.1 billion budget; the House a $66.5 billion version), neither chamber had included the $1.7 billion in corporate income and school property tax cuts proposed by Scott. Scott has repeatedly said he would not sign a budget without those cuts. "I will not compromise on these principles," he flatly declared in an April 18 radio address. However, Scott has backed off other "will never happen" ultimatums during his 16 weeks in office. (Remember the "pill mill" crackdown bill he adamantly opposed, until he supported it?)

Insurance-related bills also awaited final tweaks and votes, not an unusual position for legislation affecting our industry. The Florida Legislature is a lot like a basketball game; it's the final few moments that provide the most drama and determine the ultimate winners. The legislation tackling PIP fraud appeared to be cruising along with only a few speed bumps, but the numerous bills addressing property insurance, sinkholes, reinsurance, and Citizens Property Insurance Corp. were still garnering heated debate as end-of-session neared.

So, here we are, down to the final minutes. I would make some predictions, but I was so sure that the University of Florida was headed for the Final Four that I am leery to predict what may happen in the remaining days of session, especially if we go into "legislative overtime." On to happier news.

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Regulation/Legislation